That didn’t surprise me, especially if Art identified himself as the FBI. “He could just be avoiding you.”
“When I call Kent this morning, I’ll see if he’s heard from him. If not, I’ll have someone from the bureau up there check on him.”
“Good idea. Hey, can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.” He was still looking at his phone.
“Do we have a local unit in Atlanta that specializes in sex trafficking?”
“Yeah. Their team will be in here this morning. They operate out of a separate office. Why?”
“I’m interested in it.”
Art’s gaze whipped up to mine. “You are? Why?”
“After last night, I guess my heart got hooked.”
“Isla…” His tone held a warning.
“It’s not that.”
“Then explain it to me because the one thing an agent is never supposed to do is get involved…”
“I’m not involved, Art. What I saw last night was atrocious. I believe I could benefit women like that. Put my heart and soul into finding those monsters that do that type of thing. It doesn’t have to do with the victims. Well, it sort of does, but I’m pissed at the criminals who did it.”
“I get your point, but you still need to stay focused. Sounds like your heart is involved.”
“It’s not, but my brain sure is. Who do I need to talk to?”
“You’re talking to him.”
I already knew that and almost rolled my eyes, but stopped. Art wasn’t a roll-the-eyes kind of guy. “I meant within the sex trafficking unit.”
“Me. I’m your supervisor. If you want to do something different, I’m the one to go to.”
“Good. Then what’s my next step?”
“Your boss has to recommend you.” He said it very matter-of-factly.
“I see. Would you consider doing that?”
“How about this? Why don’t you wait until you meet some of them this morning? If you think you mesh with the team, I’ll gladly recommend you.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because I’ve only been here for a little over two years.”
“True, but Isla, you’re a good agent. I think you’d be a great asset to them.”
“Art, I’m honored you feel that way.”
He dipped his head. “Let’s get some work done then, shall we? I need you on the computer, hunting down the rental on that warehouse.”
“Got it, chief.” I went to my desk and got to work.
The building was owned by Buck Properties. They in turn had a rental history a mile long, but the last renter’s name was a company called ABC, Inc. It sounded bogus to me, so I did a little research on it and couldn’t find a thing. My next move was to contact the owner. When I did, the rental agent answered.
“Hello, this is Agent Chambers with the FBI. I need some information on the warehouse owned by Buck Properties that you manage.”
“Which one would that be? We manage several.”
I looked at the address and told him.
“Yes. What type of information do you need?”
“It’s rented to a company called ABC, Inc. Whose name is on the rental agreement?”
“Please hold. I have to run a search in my records.”
He came back on the line and said, “The name on the lease is John Lee.”
“Do you have a phone number and address for him?”
“That information is private.”
“Did you hear who I am?”
“Yes, the FBI.”
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Mr. Lee is implicated in a crime. Are you aware of that?”
“No!”
“I can obtain a search warrant and get anything I need from you at this point. So, going back to my original question, what is his address and phone number?”
The man became cooperative after all. I scribbled down the information and thanked him.
Grabbing the piece of paper, I headed over to Art’s office. I knocked and he motioned for me to enter.
Dangling the piece of paper, I said, “I have your information. The name, number, and address of the man who rented the warehouse. But I have a feeling it’s not legit.” I handed it to him.
He laughed. “Yeah. John Lee is like John Doe, right?”
“My thoughts exactly.”
He tapped the numbers into his phone and waited. It actually went to a voicemail of someone claiming to be John Lee, but Art didn’t leave a message.
“Let’s see if we can get a history on this phone and I’ll send a couple of guys over to this address.”
“You need anything else?” I asked, leaning on his desk.
“Nope. Not until the sex trafficking team arrives.” He checked the time. “They’ll be here in about an hour.”
“Okay. I’ll join you back in here then.”
He gave me a thumbs-up and I went to grab more coffee.
Chapter Four
ACER
Thoughts of how useless I’d been kept bouncing through my head. Mom and Dad had gone above and beyond what any parent should do for their child, and time and again I’d tossed those opportunities away like trash. What kind of kid did that? A worthless one, that’s what. A change was in order and there was no time like the present. As soon as I got to Reynolds and Brax’s house, I was going to start researching the possibility of joining the FBI or some other law enforcement agency to assist in stopping human trafficking. My goal was set. If I couldn’t do that, then I’d join a group that was motivated to help these victims. I wouldn’t stand by and do nothing.
I walked into the house with a firm step. Reynolds was in the kitchen, pouring a glass of wine. “Do you want one?” she asked.
“No. I’ll get some water, though.”
“What’s that scowl on your face mean?”
“I’m a fucking loser. I’ve been nothing but a huge disappointment to my parents, and I know Brax feels the same.”
She opened her mouth and I knew she was getting ready to defend me, in some small way. Reynolds and I had a special bond. We’d always been close and when I found out that she and my brother were getting married, I was the happiest person around. She was the best girl I’d ever want for a sister-in-law.
“I know you’re going to say something positive, but seriously, Reynolds, I’m a fuck up. Mom and Dad have given me the world and I’ve wasted it. But tonight did something to me when I saw those women. It nailed me in the heart and gut. I want to do something to help. Maybe try and join the FBI or some other law enforcement agency to help stop this. I don’t know, but it’s really affected me.”
She didn’t say a word, but walked up and hugged me. That was Reynolds. When she let me go, the positive came out. Reynolds always saw the world as a glass half full. “I think that’s amazing you want to help. People like those women need advocates. I always knew this type of thing happened, but not at my back door. Maybe you can make a difference.”
“That’s what I want. To make a difference.”